Loyola Meralco Crush Rivals Global, Kaya Start Campaign With Win

14 January Results:
Kaya FC 2-1 Pachanga Diliman
Loyola Meralco Sparks 4-0 Global FC

Fresh from winning their first UFL trophy, Loyola Meralco Sparks continued their dominance by sweeping aside perennial title contenders Global, 4-0. The lopsided victory, which came as a shock to everyone in attendance at the Emperador Stadium, extends Loyola’s dominance over their rival, having knocked out Global in the quarterfinals of the recent UFL Cup as well.

The result was the worst possible start for new Global coach Leigh Manson, who took over from fellow Scot Brian Reid. “Not the debut that we wanted.” said Manson after the game. “I feel the difference between the two teams was we didn’t take the opportunities we were presented. Three goals from set pieces is a worry.”

It only take seven minutes for the scoring to begin, with Lee Joo Young’s long range effort wrong footing goalkeeper Roland Sadia. The goal turned out to be a sign of things to come as Loyola exploited every mistake presented to them. Right before half-time Phil Younghusband doubled the advantage from a clever free-kick routine. Lee and James Younghusband both faked shots that made the Global wall flinch, allowing Phil to rifle an unstoppable shot into the gap.

The goal was a difficult blow to take for Global, as they had dominated possession after going down early. After the break, all hopes of a comeback were swiftly squashed, as Freddy Gonzalez, who had made his first start in almost a year, headed in Loyola’s third. Matt Hartmann added insult to injury two minutes into added time with another free-kick effort that breached Global’s wall.

“We were able to utilize our speed well,” said Loyola coach Vince Santos after the match. “Now that we’ve won a title, there’s less pressure. We’re able now to express ourselves.”

In the earlier match, a new look Kaya FC impressed against UFL Cup runners-up Pachanga Diliman. Goals from Chris Greatwich, and newcomer Thomas Taylor did the damage, in a match where OJ Porteria stood out. Ariel Zerrudo scored a consolation goal for Pachanga in the 91st minute, much too late to mount a comeback of any kind.

After failing to contend for the title last year, Kaya are looking to get back to winning ways. Their debut in the 2014 League will certainly raise the hopes of the club’s supporters. “You don’t win the League by winning the first game, but it can certainly contribute to a successful campaign,” said Kaya’s Australian coach David Perkovic in the post-match press conference. “We showed some grit and determination. When we needed to defend we defended well. I’m pleased with that.”

16 January Games:
17:15 – Team Socceroo v Philippine Army
19:30 – PSG v Green Archers United

Source: http://www.ufl.ph